Why You Should Be Using Glycolic Acid: Vichy Idéalia Peeling

Right, let’s go back to skincare basics: Why You Should Be Using Glycolic Acid. It’s a big question and with different types of acids and ‘science’ sounding ingredients taking the beauty world by storm recently, ‘glycolic acid’ is one of them. So – here’s the answer…

Glycolic Acid is an active ingredient part of a family of compounds known as AHA’s (alpha hydroxy acids). Although it is derived from cane sugar, it is highly potent and has the tiniest molecules out of all AHA’s, meaning it is able to deeply penetrate the skin. You should be using Glycolic Acid as a chemical peel, to be part of your weekly evening skincare routine. It’s reccomended that you should only be using Glycolic Acids with a percentage of 7.5% or under yourself, and these can be used in replacement of a toner and moisturiser on a twice weekly basis to help penetrate skin deeply to minimise pores, prevent dullness and reduce oiliness and fine lines.

Now, the idea of a chemical peel might sound daunting to most, but once you know, you know, and it’s actually pretty simple and not at all scary. A cult favourite gylcolic acid product is the Pixi Glow Tonic – probably so popular not only because it works, but for many it was their first try of a glycolic acid toner at home. Now, there’s a new kid on the block – the Vichy Idéalia Peeling. This is a night time serum designed for use on sensitive skin by French Pharmacy skincare specialists Vichy and costs £30 for 100ml, with a glycolic acid percentage of 4.5%.

So, how do you use a glycolic acid chemical peel at home? Simply tip out a few drops of this clear liquid onto a cotton pad and wipe over cleansed skin. I like to double cleanse my face before using it to ensure it’s squeaky clean, then I pop on the glycolic and my skincare routine for the night is done. You can use a chemical peel a couple of times a week underneath an intensive moisturiser but I prefer to use one once a week without anything else on top, sleep on it, and wash it off in the morning to reveal the full effects of my chemically brightened skin. Always ensure you remember to use an SPF the morning after using a peel, as (like the name suggests) by peeling at the surface of your skin it will need greater UVA and UVB protection the following day.

It’s no miracle cure, that’s for sure, and for me it’s part of a prevention routine of maintaining good skin care, but there is no reason why using a glycolic acid product at home like the Vichy Idéalia Peeling can’t show good results over time on a plethora of skin concerns including acne, wrinkles and blackheads.

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